Mixed Sulfide ROM - USA

Objective

Define an improved operational condition – irrigation rate and schedule to increase Cu recovery from a secondary ROM sulfide copper ore

Approach

Hydrodynamic characterization of material combined with metallurgical column tests to define expected hydrodynamic behavior under various irrigation schedules

Results

• Demonstrated feasibility to increase Cu production and/or to decrease reagent cost
• Significant economic benefits (over 20% acid and over 60% water demand reduction)
• Several other side benefits for the overall operation (reduced leach cycle, reduced water consumption, reduced power consumption, etc)